1 Year MBA Abroad vs 2 Year MBA in India

If you’re considering pursuing an MBA at a renowned business school, then chances are that you’re confused between a 1 year MBA abroad vs 2 year MBA in India. If you’re not sure what choice will have a better impact on your overall professional and academic development, then we are here to help you out. 

Given the various business schools present across the globe, each school’s MBA programme appears more compelling and different from the other. With each MBA programme offering a unique curriculum, it becomes quintessential that you take certain factors into consideration when it comes to finalizing your dream business school. Right from the tuition fee to business school rankings and from curriculum structure to job placements, it is essential you make your choice by evaluating all the factors that affect your career. 

There are many such factors to consider, however, one very important factor is the duration of the course. So, this article will address one critical question that often causes a lot of confusion amongst several MBA aspirants — the choice between a 1 year vs 2 year MBA programs and also 1 year vs 2 year MBA abroad. While both MBA programmes are equally good, the decision to choose between a one-year program at a prestigious business school abroad versus a two-year MBA programme in India depends completely on what you are looking out for in your career. Also, your budget plays a major role too. 

We’ve tried to compile most factors that you need to keep in mind when finalizing your business education programme.

The List of Factors to Consider between 1 Year MBA Abroad Vs 2 Year MBA In India Are:

• Work Experience

When choosing between MBA colleges in India and abroad, the most essential criteria to check is whether you meet the work experience requirements needed to be admitted into the programme. While most Indian business schools do not mandate work experience as part of their admission requirements, international business schools mandate at least 3 to 5 years of experience to be admitted into the programme. The very fact that an international MBA programme is of 12 months duration, implies that it is intensively immersive and focused, which explains why work experience is mandatory. This does not negate the fact that business schools in India don’t encourage work experience; however, they do not make it a compulsion. Hence, a two-year MBA programme in India is more apt if you’re fresh out of college and are looking to study in a prestigious business school in India.   

• Course Duration and Your Budget

MBA programmes at a prestigious business school in India will cost you anywhere between 10 to 25 lakhs in tuition fees (FMS-Delhi being an exception). On the contrary, an MBA programme for a 1-year duration abroad will cost you a lot more. Hence, you need to decide which programme is financially feasible for you. For instance, if you have the work experience, clearly stated goals and are willing to spend above 30 lakhs for a 10 to 12-months course then studying abroad will reap its benefits.

• Syllabus Structure

The two-year MBA course in India comprises a specific study plan. While the first year of the course is designed to cover core management subjects, the second year, mainly, focuses on a specialization of your choice. A one-year MBA programme abroad is, mostly, a generalised MBA programme covering essential subjects pertaining to business; however, you will have the option of choosing one elective at the end of the programme, coupled with thesis submission.

• Placements

When it comes to job placements and career support, Indian MBA colleges outperform their counterparts abroad. With each business school having a career development cell, the institution supports you by organizing campus placement drives. However, business schools abroad do not have the concept of campus placements; rather, career fairs. Career fairs only allow you to interact with potential recruiters who may be interested in hiring, depending on the economic outlook of that region. To find a job after your graduation is solely your responsibility. Sure, the career cell at the university will offer guidance on where to look and how to apply, but applying, getting an interview call and finally negotiating is all on you.

All in all, a two-year MBA programme in India is suitable for a fresh graduate who is looking to continue their academic journey and is looking to settle and work in India. On the other hand, a 1 Year MBA abroad is for someone who is in their mid-level career and is looking to settle in a foreign destination after completing their programme. Now that you know the key differences and advantages of a 1 year MBA abroad vs 2 Year MBA in India, you’re better positioned to decide which programme suits your career needs.